Cops: Defendant attacked cop, tried to escape during arraignment

A 20-year-old Uniondale man who was arrested for breaking the windshield of a vehicle in Riverside this weekend allegedly attacked and injured a Southampton Town police officer while trying to escape his arraignment in town court Sunday, Southampton Town police said.

The man is now facing a felony assault charge and is being held in Suffolk County jail on $33,000 bail, Sgt. Susan Ralph said.

Andrew Hardy-Graham was involved in a domestic incident on Center Drive South in Riverside about 6 p.m. Saturday, according to a police report. Mr. Hardy-Graham kicked out the windshield of a car and fled the scene on foot, police said.

Cops found him soon after and charged Mr. Hardy-Graham with misdemeanor criminal mischief.

But when Mr. Hardy-Graham was brought in to be arraigned in court Sunday morning, the 20-year-old “attempted to kick, bite, and strike” Police Officer Keith Lawston, according to a police report.

“He was trying to escape,” Sgt. Ralph said. “He was doing whatever he could.” Mr. Hardy-Graham was eventually subdued and arrested in court.

The officer who was attacked was treated at Peconic Bay Medical Center for undisclosed injuries, police said.

Mr. Hardy-Graham was taken back to police headquarters and charged with assault, misdemeanor resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, and harassment, a violation.

Mr. Hardy-Graham was brought back into court Monday morning, where he was arraigned on the new charges and bail was set.